Muhammadu Buhari: 5 Nigerian Artists Who Name‑Dropped the Ex‑President in Their Lyrics

By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel

As Nigerians mourn the passing away of former President Muhammadu Buhari, many have tried to remember his policies and dispositions as the number one citizen of the most populous black nation in the world.

Nigerian musicians have never shied away from politics, and when President Muhammadu Buhari was in office, several artistes even dropped his name in their tracks.

Here’s a roundup of five who did it boldly — from praise and campaign tracks to fiery critiques:

1. Reekado Banks – “Sugarbaby”

In his catchy 2016 hit “Sugarbaby”, Reekado Banks cheekily name‑checks Buhari with the line “If lie Buhari go take it up o mogbe” — playfully suggesting that the President would arrest him if lied for love.

Though lighthearted, the mention cemented the song in pop culture, linking electoral authority with suave lyrical swagger.

2. Burna Boy – “20:10:20”

Burna Boy’s hard‑hitting track “20:10:20” directly addresses the former president. Focused on the October 20, 2020 Lekki shooting, he sang:

“Mr President … all your atrocity… make all the dead body disturb you for your dream.”

The song unleashed sharp criticism at Buhari, the Lagos state governor, and the military over the violent suppression of #EndSARS protesters.

3. Olamide – Campaign Anthems for Buhari

In 2015, Yoruba rap heavyweight Olamide produced two campaign tracks — “APC Ese (Thank You)” and “The Change We Want” — explicitly endorsing Buhari and VP Osinbajo.

These songs blended street-savvy flows with pro-APC slogans, showcasing the influence of artists in political mobilization.

4. Dauda Rarara – Northern Praise and Later Rebuke

Kannywood star Dauda Rarara was once a staunch supporter: tracks like “Sai Baba Buhari” and “Buhari dodar” celebrated Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade.

But by 2022, his tone shifted. Alongside fellow Hausa singers, Rarara released a song calling out Buhari for failing to address rising insecurity.

5. Fati Niger – Clueless Regime

Kano-based singer Fati Niger delivered scathing commentary in 2022, branding Buhari a “clueless leader.”

Her lyrics lambasted his handling of food security, border policy, and terrorism, calling his regime a “tyrannical style of governance”.

Former President, Muhammad Buhari is expected to be buried today, Monday 14th of July in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State aged 81. The former military head of state died in a London clinic after battling illness according to reports.